The archaeology of disease

The Archaeology of Disease shows how the latest scientific and archaeological techniques can be used to identify the common illnesses and injuries that humans suffered from in antiquity. The authors study the evidence that can be gained from written records and works of art as well as from ancient human remains, and they combine a clinical interpretation of prevalent diseases with a graphic description of their social, economic and cultural consequences. This completely revised editon of the book includes case studies from all over the world and gives a full account of the rapid technical advances which have dramaticallly increased our knowledge of illness in the distant past. In order to give a vivid picture of ancient disease and trauma the authors present the results of the latest scientific research and incorporate information gathered from documents, from other areas of archaeology and from art and ethnography. The clinical knowledge that can be gained about specific ailments and accidents is set in context by considering ancient demography, basic bone biology, funerary practices and prehistoric medicine. The book provides a practical, up-to-date account of this important topic, and it is written in a clear and accessible style which should make it a stimulating introduction for readers who are not specialists in the field. It will also be required reading for undergraduate and postgraduate archaeology and anthropology students, professional and amateur archaeologists and medical historians.